Hi All,
It’s been waaaaaaayyyyyyyy too long. Some of you are happy and have been able to get on with work…while some of you have been refreshing your emails every other second!!! Well, I’m alive, well and very excited about a few things
Firstly, I’m coming home for a few weeks in September. I land on Friday 4th (also my birthday!!), have Simon’s stag do, wedding and RH in Cardiff over the weekends and will otherwise be in London and can’t wait to catch up with all of you. Start booking spots in my diary now!!
Secondly, Josh is engaged. Cries of “about time” and sobs from certain girls I know, but it is awesome news and I know some of his texts from the top of the mountain in Switzerland didn’t get through, so I thought I’d broadcast it here!!
And thirdly, I have some other big news. I’m not moving home, I’m not engaged and nor have I got a girl pregnant (My Mum, Sister and of course, Dad’s guesses respectively). I am however going to be moving to New York later in the year!!! My big boss sent an email round to the Team Heads asking for someone “who knows the Bank, is responsible, mobile and likes drinking champagne from the bottle” (ok, maybe not the last part) to move to New York for 1-2 years. I had a chat with him, he got oks form the necessary people and subject to timing, logistics and contracts, I’m going to be moving….to New York!! I just can’t believe it. Has always been a dream of mine and trying not to get ahead of myself, but I can’t help it!!
So, that’s the future…and if you’re interested, here’s the past…
My last update was over 2 months ago and sooooooo much has happened since then. Will try and summarise in bite-size pieces!!
Family was over for a few weeks. I joined them on trips to Bali and Borneo and they headed to Oz and Thailand aswell. Was lovely to have them and sad to see them go.
Did some diving in the Philppines on some WW2 ship-wrecks which was pretty cool and spent last weekend in Sri Lanka at an old dutch fort called Galle with Diana. Nice to take it easy and relax
Spending a lot of time in Singapore and really enjoying it. Had a black tie party for absolutely no reason with a load of friends which was great fun. Saw Lady Gaga last night and watching Keane this evening. Big crowd took over a cinema to watch “The Hangover” – hilarious movie!
And I scored my first goal in 6 months last week. A superbly well placed goal from 2 yards out and a stranded goalie!!!
Got some pics on FB if you’re interested
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97270&id=512991087&l=d5bc0941d3
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=97269&id=512991087&l=3516a88f04
Keep well and keep in touch
J x
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Kuching Kerching
Haven’t done this in a while, so thought it was about time!!
Went to Kuching, Borneo on the weekend with my parents and highly recommend it.
FLY….with Air Asia. Great flight times leaving in the evening on the Thurs or Fri and coming back the Sunday evening. Takes just over an hour with a 45 minute transfer the other end and prices are cheap. Other airlines fly there too.
STAY…..at Village House - http://www.villagehouse.com.my/main.php . Lovely little “homestay” consisting of 12 rooms, a swimming pool and not much else!! Epitome of relaxation! The Rajah Rooms are the nicest. Big with a balcony and flatscreen TV and cost MYR 450 per night (SGD 200). Standard rooms (no tv) are half that price and half the size, but are fine. Cash only
DO….go on the sunset river tour. Village House can arrange this at MYR 150 each. 3 hours out on a rickety boat seeing dolphins, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles and fireflies….and of course a beautiful sunset. Also to go to the Orang Utan sanctuary – a whopping MYR 3 (!) to get in. Make sure you go only for feeding time (otherwise it’s boring). There’s also a cultural village tour (didn’t do as wasn’t too interested) and the beach (didn’t do as heard it’s only ok). There’s also Mount Santubong to climb if you’re feeling energetic.
Went to Kuching, Borneo on the weekend with my parents and highly recommend it.
FLY….with Air Asia. Great flight times leaving in the evening on the Thurs or Fri and coming back the Sunday evening. Takes just over an hour with a 45 minute transfer the other end and prices are cheap. Other airlines fly there too.
STAY…..at Village House - http://www.villagehouse.com.my/main.php . Lovely little “homestay” consisting of 12 rooms, a swimming pool and not much else!! Epitome of relaxation! The Rajah Rooms are the nicest. Big with a balcony and flatscreen TV and cost MYR 450 per night (SGD 200). Standard rooms (no tv) are half that price and half the size, but are fine. Cash only
DO….go on the sunset river tour. Village House can arrange this at MYR 150 each. 3 hours out on a rickety boat seeing dolphins, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles and fireflies….and of course a beautiful sunset. Also to go to the Orang Utan sanctuary – a whopping MYR 3 (!) to get in. Make sure you go only for feeding time (otherwise it’s boring). There’s also a cultural village tour (didn’t do as wasn’t too interested) and the beach (didn’t do as heard it’s only ok). There’s also Mount Santubong to climb if you’re feeling energetic.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tioman Tips
Great place to go diving. Go through a Singapore agent like Sunny Cove. They take all the hassle our of it. For about SGD500, they'll sort out all your pre-lessons and study material (if you're doing a course) - cheaper if you're just diving for fun.
Sunny Cove
Then, you'll meet on a Friday evening and take a minibus on the 4 hour trip to Malaysia. 2 nights accomodation, transport, all food and 5-6 dives all included in the price
Sunny Cove
Then, you'll meet on a Friday evening and take a minibus on the 4 hour trip to Malaysia. 2 nights accomodation, transport, all food and 5-6 dives all included in the price
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hanoi Tips
Hanoi – Not just another crazy Asian capital
Had a great time in Hanoi and highly recommend it.
FLEW with Tiger Airways. Great flight times that leave in the evenings giving you maximum time there. SQ also fly. Both are relatively expensive compared to other Asian destinations costing all in SGD500-700. Airport is 45 minutes in a taxi – hotel organized it at USD15 each way
STAYED at the Hanoi Boutique Hotel. Now, don’t get confused with the name. It’s not boutique!! But the staff there (Miss Moon) are simply amazing and it’s rated Number 1 B&B on Tripadvisor for a reason. Great location in the old town, basic and clean and for USD30 per night you can hardly go wrong. The only reason I wouldn’t stay there again is if I wanted to impress a special someone (Sofitel supposed to be lovely), but otherwise, I’ll definitely be back
DO go to Ha Long Bay. Hotel organized the tour, which starts with an early morning pick up for the 3 hour minibus drive, then 24 hours on a junk boat with all meals included, kayaking, swimming, caves etc. Very relaxing and all in for USD70. It was basic and there are more expensive ones around, but I’m at a loss to see what else they’d offer. This junk was called Legend Cruises.
Lots of DVDs, ceramics etc for sale in the old quarter which is buzzing.
Plenty of lakes to walk around and relax by.
Didn’t do, but hear it’s interesting is to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (open most mornings from 8-11) and see a Water puppet show
EAT locally. Had a look at as we passed it and it came recommended was “Green Tangerine”, but we didn’t eat there. Similarly, “New Day”. “Ca Cha” was a good place that only serves one dish (fried fish) and is worth a go
DRINK at the local bars that “supposedly” close at midnight, but if you hear music, just walk to the closed doors/shutters and someone will let you in. Some names I remember are “Hair of the Dog”, “Funky Buddha” and “Half man, half noodle”.
TAKE both USD and Vietnamese Dong. It depends on the type of place as to which you’ll need to pay in
Enjoy!!
Had a great time in Hanoi and highly recommend it.
FLEW with Tiger Airways. Great flight times that leave in the evenings giving you maximum time there. SQ also fly. Both are relatively expensive compared to other Asian destinations costing all in SGD500-700. Airport is 45 minutes in a taxi – hotel organized it at USD15 each way
STAYED at the Hanoi Boutique Hotel. Now, don’t get confused with the name. It’s not boutique!! But the staff there (Miss Moon) are simply amazing and it’s rated Number 1 B&B on Tripadvisor for a reason. Great location in the old town, basic and clean and for USD30 per night you can hardly go wrong. The only reason I wouldn’t stay there again is if I wanted to impress a special someone (Sofitel supposed to be lovely), but otherwise, I’ll definitely be back
DO go to Ha Long Bay. Hotel organized the tour, which starts with an early morning pick up for the 3 hour minibus drive, then 24 hours on a junk boat with all meals included, kayaking, swimming, caves etc. Very relaxing and all in for USD70. It was basic and there are more expensive ones around, but I’m at a loss to see what else they’d offer. This junk was called Legend Cruises.
Lots of DVDs, ceramics etc for sale in the old quarter which is buzzing.
Plenty of lakes to walk around and relax by.
Didn’t do, but hear it’s interesting is to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (open most mornings from 8-11) and see a Water puppet show
EAT locally. Had a look at as we passed it and it came recommended was “Green Tangerine”, but we didn’t eat there. Similarly, “New Day”. “Ca Cha” was a good place that only serves one dish (fried fish) and is worth a go
DRINK at the local bars that “supposedly” close at midnight, but if you hear music, just walk to the closed doors/shutters and someone will let you in. Some names I remember are “Hair of the Dog”, “Funky Buddha” and “Half man, half noodle”.
TAKE both USD and Vietnamese Dong. It depends on the type of place as to which you’ll need to pay in
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I Love House Music...
…well, not really, but the song is quite fun!!
Well, it's been a fair few weeks and since i've had so many complaints about the lack of updates (!), i thought i'd put you all out of your misery and let you know what's been going on!
I'm just on my way back from 10 days in Hong Kong. Headed up norf initially for a spot of gambling in Macau - the miserable weather was a pre-cursor to my performance at both the blackjack and poker tables. Friday, left on the ferry for HK for a weekend of debauchery and booze based around the Rugby 7s. I disappointed my friend Dave by refusing to wear his poor attempt at a Geisha girl costume and went for the tried and tested Fred Flintstone!! A lot of drinking and singing in the famous South stand on the Saturday and a chilled out Sunday actually watching the rugby made for an eventful weekend. Wales were downright rubbish after coming off the back of the World cup win in Dubai, but all 3 final games were cracking with each game coming within 2 points. Then i spent a week in the office which was productive, but tough.
Had the joy of seeing Dan (Helman) for a night before he went on his Chinese factory tour. Ate some great Thai food and then the following day we sent lots of messages to each other describing our frequent visits to the bathroom!! Seeing him again in a few days. We're heading to Hanoi and Ha Long bay for the long Easter weekend.
It was great to see some of you back in London. And sorry to those i missed. Was a whistle stop tour starting off in Paris for the rugby - we lost, however to make up for it, Oli and I had a free night of boozing at some Parisian nightclub. Then was in the London office for the week and very kindly put up by Nicole and Paul. Following week i hit the ski slopes of Tignes with Nick and Greg. Trip was epic with cracking conditions and 2 of the best days of skiing and apres ski i've ever had ("I love house music" is the new "Please don't stop the music"!! ) This trip was sandwiched in between 2 weekends back in Paris visiting Diana. Had a lovely time with her but alas the distance is too much to deal with and we've gone our separate ways.
Otherwise, life in Singers is good. Saw Coldplay a couple of weeks back who were simply brilliant. And Oasis this weekend. Footy's been a bit poor - despite going for quantity over quality and playing for 3 different teams, my goalscoring and MOTMs have been few and far between.
Here are some pics from Skiing and Hong Kong
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74334&id=512991087&l=a5a9fb809e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74337&id=512991087&l=f3de106803
And if you’re still reading, some pics from my mountain climb
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65901&id=512991087&l=720fad5cd6
Well, it's been a fair few weeks and since i've had so many complaints about the lack of updates (!), i thought i'd put you all out of your misery and let you know what's been going on!
I'm just on my way back from 10 days in Hong Kong. Headed up norf initially for a spot of gambling in Macau - the miserable weather was a pre-cursor to my performance at both the blackjack and poker tables. Friday, left on the ferry for HK for a weekend of debauchery and booze based around the Rugby 7s. I disappointed my friend Dave by refusing to wear his poor attempt at a Geisha girl costume and went for the tried and tested Fred Flintstone!! A lot of drinking and singing in the famous South stand on the Saturday and a chilled out Sunday actually watching the rugby made for an eventful weekend. Wales were downright rubbish after coming off the back of the World cup win in Dubai, but all 3 final games were cracking with each game coming within 2 points. Then i spent a week in the office which was productive, but tough.
Had the joy of seeing Dan (Helman) for a night before he went on his Chinese factory tour. Ate some great Thai food and then the following day we sent lots of messages to each other describing our frequent visits to the bathroom!! Seeing him again in a few days. We're heading to Hanoi and Ha Long bay for the long Easter weekend.
It was great to see some of you back in London. And sorry to those i missed. Was a whistle stop tour starting off in Paris for the rugby - we lost, however to make up for it, Oli and I had a free night of boozing at some Parisian nightclub. Then was in the London office for the week and very kindly put up by Nicole and Paul. Following week i hit the ski slopes of Tignes with Nick and Greg. Trip was epic with cracking conditions and 2 of the best days of skiing and apres ski i've ever had ("I love house music" is the new "Please don't stop the music"!! ) This trip was sandwiched in between 2 weekends back in Paris visiting Diana. Had a lovely time with her but alas the distance is too much to deal with and we've gone our separate ways.
Otherwise, life in Singers is good. Saw Coldplay a couple of weeks back who were simply brilliant. And Oasis this weekend. Footy's been a bit poor - despite going for quantity over quality and playing for 3 different teams, my goalscoring and MOTMs have been few and far between.
Here are some pics from Skiing and Hong Kong
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74334&id=512991087&l=a5a9fb809e
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74337&id=512991087&l=f3de106803
And if you’re still reading, some pics from my mountain climb
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65901&id=512991087&l=720fad5cd6
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hong Kong Tips
FLEW into Macau and out of Hong Kong. Recommend doing this if you want to do both. It's a 1hr ferry ride in between (or you can spunk 300 bucks on a helicopter ride)
STAYED in Macau at the Wynn which was lovely. Sorted it out in the airport through one of the agents. Worked out cheaper this way. In HK, stayed at the Intercontinental - great hotel and famous for its views, so make sure you get a Harbour view
Personally wasn't that fussed on Macau. Weather was miserable, food was poor and i lost at gambling...so won't be in a hurry to go back!!
HK however is great fun. It's like Singapore but with atmosphere and character! Taxis are cheap and plentiful as is the MTR subway system. Lots of good bars and restaurants. Trendy area is Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). More seedy, but still fun is Wan Chai. A trip to "The Peak" on the tram is a must. But time it right - we got to the top as it completely fogged over!!
Was there for the rugby 7s. You must experience the South stand at least once in your lifetime!
STAYED in Macau at the Wynn which was lovely. Sorted it out in the airport through one of the agents. Worked out cheaper this way. In HK, stayed at the Intercontinental - great hotel and famous for its views, so make sure you get a Harbour view
Personally wasn't that fussed on Macau. Weather was miserable, food was poor and i lost at gambling...so won't be in a hurry to go back!!
HK however is great fun. It's like Singapore but with atmosphere and character! Taxis are cheap and plentiful as is the MTR subway system. Lots of good bars and restaurants. Trendy area is Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). More seedy, but still fun is Wan Chai. A trip to "The Peak" on the tram is a must. But time it right - we got to the top as it completely fogged over!!
Was there for the rugby 7s. You must experience the South stand at least once in your lifetime!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Singapore Tips
Hotels
A friend of ours can get good deals on Holiday Inns, Intercontinentals, Crowne Plazas etc…..i can send details
Poker
I organize a monthly game at my place. Let me know if you’d like to join and I’ll add you to the email list
Water
Got this great deal having a water cooler fitted at my place. Saves hassle from having to carry gallons of water up from the supermarket. Costs $10 each per 11 litre bottle – 4 bottle per month minimum. Call Win Dee on +65 9834 5915 if you’re interested
Dry Cleaning
I’ve found this fella called Wilfred (+65 9329 4574) who’s one of the nicest old Singaporeans here. He comes to my flat and picks up my dry cleaning once a week and takes it away (have no idea where to!) and thankfully brings it back ironed and smelling lovely. Unlimited for SGD500 for the year. An absolute steal in my book and a month in I can’t complain
A friend of ours can get good deals on Holiday Inns, Intercontinentals, Crowne Plazas etc…..i can send details
Poker
I organize a monthly game at my place. Let me know if you’d like to join and I’ll add you to the email list
Water
Got this great deal having a water cooler fitted at my place. Saves hassle from having to carry gallons of water up from the supermarket. Costs $10 each per 11 litre bottle – 4 bottle per month minimum. Call Win Dee on +65 9834 5915 if you’re interested
Dry Cleaning
I’ve found this fella called Wilfred (+65 9329 4574) who’s one of the nicest old Singaporeans here. He comes to my flat and picks up my dry cleaning once a week and takes it away (have no idea where to!) and thankfully brings it back ironed and smelling lovely. Unlimited for SGD500 for the year. An absolute steal in my book and a month in I can’t complain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- Jamie Hamilton
- Jamie is one of life's modern day philosophers. He models himself on the "thinker". He "thinks" he's funny, "thinks" he can play football and "thinks" he's good at Maths. The only thing he "knows" is that none of the above are true...(well, except maybe the Maths part!)